What is a Safe Outdoor Temperature for Your Dog This Winter?

Ah, winter. The season of brisk, clean air, cozying up by the fireplace, and more peppermint baked goods than you can handle. Unfortunately though, winter isn’t always as fun for our pets. Even though your pup is naturally dressed for the cold, a fur coat can only do so much in the freezing temperatures—after all, even dogs can fall victim to hypothermia or frostbite. So when is the chill too cold for your furry best friend? Follow these crucial guidelines to ensure your pup enjoys winter weather safely and comfortably.

Breed MattersA short-furred Chihuahua will react differently to the cold than a thick-coated dog like a Siberian Husky or German shepherd, of course, and should be monitored accordingly. But many other physical differences also play a major role in how susceptible your pup will be to extreme temperatures, making them more “cold adverse.” Here’s what to consider:

Weight and size: A Greyhound has an exceptionally thin coat but also lacks the body fat necessary for proper insulation and can suffer in the cold. Size also matters. Smaller dogs like a Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier lose more heat more quickly and should be shielded from cold temps whenever possible.

Coat thickness and color: A thicker coat provides more insulation and therefore regulates warmth better. But a darker coat also fares better for warmth, since these pups will absorb more sunlight. This keeps them warmer than their light-coated counterparts.

Age and health: Some dogs won’t be able to regulate their temperature as well and will need greater protection from the cold, including puppies, elderly dogs, and those with health issues or compromised immune systems. Dogs with hip or joint issues will especially suffer in the cold. A natural supplement like Fidoplex can help ease their pains and increase the amount of time they can enjoy outdoors.

Down to the DegreeWhile the temperature at which your dog can comfortably handle the cold varies greatly upon its breed, size, coat, age and health, here are the baseline temperatures at which you need to start taking extra precautions for your pet’s comfort and safety:

Below 45 degrees: This is when many cold-averse dogs will start to feel uncomfortable. If your pup sleeps outside, ensure that their space is roofed with a thick, raised floor. A dog house door should be covered with weatherproofed flaps to prevent windy drafts.

Below freezing (32° F): During this freezing weather, all dogs should be closely monitored (especially the cold adverse), and you should restrict their time outside to daytime hours. Nighttime is when a dog’s health can become compromised, so it’s best to keep all dogs sleeping indoors in this temperature range.

Under 20°F: Now we’re in the danger zone. Even owners of Huskies and other Northern-bred dogs with thick coats should take caution. This is when fatal issues like hypothermia and frostbite begin, and you should never leave your dog to sleep outdoors in these freezing temps.

Pay close attention to not just the thermometer but other environmental factors, too. Wind chill, cloudiness and especially dampness will affect a dog’s comfort and health risk. Watch for puddles and ice for this reason, since a wet dog in chilly weather could lead to hypothermia. And although most ticks and fleas are dormant in the cold, your indoor heating could create the perfect temperature for them to breed year round. Try our peppermint flea spray to combat those issues (and enjoy the new seasonal scent!).

Above all, keep a close eye on your pup’s behavior. Bring your pet indoors during nighttime hours and give your cold-adverse pooch a cute sweater or mittens for extra warmth on long walks. If you notice your dog shivering, whining, acting anxious, slowing their movements, or holding up one or more paws, take them indoors immediately. Keeping your pup safe and warm each winter is the least you can do for the furry companion who would walk to the end of the earth for you.

Related Posts

2 Comments

BonnieMarch 13, 2018

Our dog is a rescue. We got him at approx his age 5 years old. He refuses to come indoors for
longer than 20 minutes and we must be with him during that time. He won’t use his dog house
which we built for him making it oversized. He will tear down any doors and furniture if
he is put inside in an area we created for him (very large and comfortable with a great
comfy sofa and dog beds. We’ve tried an area in our house and an area in our garage.
He is a chow chow. About 50 pounds. Black fur. Very healthy. Very sweet. We’re worried
about him. Our temperatures can get to lows of 35 degrees and a few nights a year to
freezing about 30 degrees. Any suggestions are welcome.

We are so glad you found our post about protecting your pup in cold temperatures. We love to hear of rescue pups who find families that care so much about them. You have some great questions. It must be very frustrating to want to protect your dog when he doesn’t want to be inside.

You might also considered visiting with a dog trainer to train your pup to tolerate indoor spaces. They may have methods to help stop the destructive behavior and help him relax indoors.

We hope these ideas are helpful. We also invite our blog community to share any other ideas they might have or what worked for them in a similar situation in the comments. Let us know if you are able to find a solution for your sweet pup!